Some 50 new principals of South Carolina schools will participate in the 19th annual School Leadership Executive Institute-Principal Induction Program July 18 to 22 at Coastal Carolina University.

The program is designed exclusively for first-year principals to help them develop leadership and presentation skills.

The academy gives participants an opportunity to bond with other first-year principals, veteran principals and experts in the field. Each participant is paired with an experienced principal who serves as a mentor. Follow-up meetings throughout the year provide additional training in leadership and management skills and serve as a forum for exchanging ideas.

The five-day summer institute will include seminars conducted by state and local experts on such topics as school governance, accountability, finance, professional development and ethical administration.